tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248579602024-03-07T01:21:08.913-05:00Creative Chaos...she's crafty.Soozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159939942360379866noreply@blogger.comBlogger393125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24857960.post-63617858676692717862010-09-12T13:55:00.001-04:002010-09-12T14:57:22.753-04:00Hello Autumn...I {heart} you!<div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvtuGYcyUI1d8mUE4kdZE5KMVbTlfO_tAyc36DGLdNgEPEvb_0_dpRTX2AlfPLvzdZ_kZWcqUAIvGyRWwdfyE7l_76Yni89qinlgY_fNHsAD8FUJfkzLBMO32wtHm8miVuexi_WA/s1600/DSC01196.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516088412069502146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvtuGYcyUI1d8mUE4kdZE5KMVbTlfO_tAyc36DGLdNgEPEvb_0_dpRTX2AlfPLvzdZ_kZWcqUAIvGyRWwdfyE7l_76Yni89qinlgY_fNHsAD8FUJfkzLBMO32wtHm8miVuexi_WA/s320/DSC01196.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />So happy FALL is here. More walks with Little Miss this weekend. Our jaunts to the creek include searching for the same landmarks over and over. "That boy's red hat" (a plastic construction hat) "the big leaf" (no idea where its mates are!) "the old bike" (which has nearly rusted away since last year) and "the doggie's tree" (a hollowed out tree that Little Miss used to be able to stand in and she and her daddy decided was where a doggie lived). At this time of year some of these things are harder to spot - everything is still so overgrown and green....but little by little, Fall is arriving and soon the view along the path will change again. For now, these are some of my favorite sights.<br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516088433251566498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdNWsBev-rBK7BQtbiYtbMD8-Idih3YGI1iU-JwvPEjje0KIKFKLLQuXj9Ms38EBTPaw_15dGSr5y6AXYc3pELYecSFltGX730TUWFkxjwKD1t9EChk8aZFLyOeiUiElnbdNseng/s320/DSC01195.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516088425523675810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheEj1jGoCU8XpJC1SX7EWqF1NInzDyTl0bnupElJwJ8SBS_E0XUXI6jjYxx9bWZ0XnQaHENTy2bLWnahQWim1conTOvv2EqnGj-v8LwdNAbhyGcy86JEImEN6RK2Fr2jkwy06SMA/s320/DSC01197.jpg" border="0" />Soozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159939942360379866noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24857960.post-63767611202902366242010-09-07T20:25:00.008-04:002010-09-12T13:54:31.576-04:00September is the perfect time for heading back to Stitch School!<div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIcx9R7tyZC3ZiEKWuOOUcmKyfo_1BPdza6EJF9u-XDtT6WLx5HeKVAGvYtBgXNtnSwjLnS0D6H6v9OZ2KpJeu3IykcXQpTjFFP-rapQ9cYw_5yXVSbv2QujWC8kyrXlBaAYCSnA/s1600/0905001829a.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514351772194009362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIcx9R7tyZC3ZiEKWuOOUcmKyfo_1BPdza6EJF9u-XDtT6WLx5HeKVAGvYtBgXNtnSwjLnS0D6H6v9OZ2KpJeu3IykcXQpTjFFP-rapQ9cYw_5yXVSbv2QujWC8kyrXlBaAYCSnA/s320/0905001829a.jpg" border="0" /></a> <em><span style="font-size:85%;">A Sunday walk with Little Miss and her babies. </span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">(Blurry, I know...but she moves too fast for me these days. </span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">She's not a fan of the camera anymore. Had to sneak this in with the cell phone!)</span></em></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">How cool is this<a href="http://stitchschool.blogspot.com/"> blog</a>? And <a href="http://www.sublimestitching.com/">this</a>? And <a href="http://inaminuteago.com/stitchindex.html">this one</a>? I am sure there are many others out there...but these are the ones I found when I searched for "embroidery stitches" when I wanted to add a few more stitches to my repertoire. </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Stitches I can now execute on a fairly consistent basis:</div><div align="left"><ol><li>Straight Stitch</li><br /><li>Satin Stitch (but never as perfectly as my sister Kristin)</li><br /><li>Stem stitch (but never as well as my Mom or sister)</li><br /><li>Cross stitch (and half- and quarter-cross)</li><br /><li>Chain stitch</li><br /><li>Lazy Daisy (always my fav)</li><br /><li>French Knot</li><br /><li>Split stitch</li><br /><li>Bullion stitch (sort of)</li><br /><li>Spider's Web (I think I have it right?)</li><br /><li>Seed stitch</li><br /><li>Fern stitch</li><br /><li>Couching stitch</li><br /><li>Algerian Eye</li></ol></div><p>That's not many, is it? There are a drillion out there! who knew?</p><p>I can't really remember when I first learned how to do embroidery....I think my Mom must have taught me the basics (or maybe Gram?) My mother's work always amazed me. Her "back" was as perfect as her "front" (mine never was/is)...and even when I learned counted cross stitch and then got my mom and sisters hooked....I still never had "pretty backs" like Mom. </p><p>I had thought my great-grandmother taught my mom. But she tells me it was her own mom who taught her - (Gram's Raggedy Ann doll faces were examples of her precision work. Absolute perfection.) And for all these years I only knew the most basic stitches - French Knots, chain stitch, split stitch, lazy daisy, satin stitch. But I so admire the more elaborate stitches like I have seen in crazy quilts and other needlework projects (like everything <a href="http://rebeccasower.typepad.com/">Rebecca Sower </a>and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/88602055@N00/4420615804/in/set-72157618586629443/">Pam Garrison </a>do!)</p><p>And so I am determined to learn a few new tricks this month. I think I will start a little sampler to track my progress.....seriously in love with <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/88602055@N00/4780199591/in/set-72157618586629443/">this</a> and <a href="http://rebeccasower.typepad.com/rs_out_of_hand/2009/12/a-while-back-i-shared-with-you-a-sampler-cloth-where-i-stitched-sat-it-aside-picked-it-up-and-stitched-some-more-and-the.html#tp">this</a> and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebeccasower/4883853146/in/set-72157623945715474/">this</a>...</p><p>Off to it I go...will share pics as I make progress!</p>**PS The photo has nothing to do with my stitching, obviously....but I couldn't post with a PHOTO. It's one of the THREE walks we took this weekend "to the creek." How stinkin cute is she with her baby in the backpack (there is another in the stroller, along with a pack of gum and some rocks.) Love her to the moon, I do, I do, I do.<br /><p></p>Soozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159939942360379866noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24857960.post-40074367354338384832010-09-05T14:26:00.004-04:002010-09-05T14:54:24.863-04:00A bit of stitchin'...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSRkTNrcXe2pTaElZugoh4Y9IuK6locXKX8Yc5hoUL-Q8MO6eusEQyBlfOZ3UhfYZ-1IW7UgA7VvqIcR-E3nJH_Y5MF9WER2AMkFU7e8k7S5ADzxLaSHccbehv3xH4Wf7307rbyA/s1600/DSC01192.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513502854687958450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSRkTNrcXe2pTaElZugoh4Y9IuK6locXKX8Yc5hoUL-Q8MO6eusEQyBlfOZ3UhfYZ-1IW7UgA7VvqIcR-E3nJH_Y5MF9WER2AMkFU7e8k7S5ADzxLaSHccbehv3xH4Wf7307rbyA/s320/DSC01192.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7lu1QQaRMbjBC7GDhjR-y1cgKInfATRYKhkaXosr9p6eAt9SmLauZPGPRzaL-DLTjPlILT4NqDYtvdHljAqx_wNcHBw2B3WhtKImGkMtdoOV6owcKeM-NgMqCUlaC9WX1lnj7Tw/s1600/DSC01191.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513502848397952194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7lu1QQaRMbjBC7GDhjR-y1cgKInfATRYKhkaXosr9p6eAt9SmLauZPGPRzaL-DLTjPlILT4NqDYtvdHljAqx_wNcHBw2B3WhtKImGkMtdoOV6owcKeM-NgMqCUlaC9WX1lnj7Tw/s320/DSC01191.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQpz8xM7LXmicjKnxRTjlDzQD1_WsARXX-S6n3-iejcBz3K8-EhUaCRHbEgbddgVr4Ghappj7y3POh4ESK_oLpgE2Pws6GpRjhIZmBhOueztjRluueIQi8mlECpAHRer7YAeYMQ/s1600/DSC01190.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513502836779841826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQpz8xM7LXmicjKnxRTjlDzQD1_WsARXX-S6n3-iejcBz3K8-EhUaCRHbEgbddgVr4Ghappj7y3POh4ESK_oLpgE2Pws6GpRjhIZmBhOueztjRluueIQi8mlECpAHRer7YAeYMQ/s320/DSC01190.jpg" border="0" /></a> As always...inspired by <a href="http://rebeccasower.typepad.com/rs_out_of_hand/#tp">Rebecca Sower's </a>needlework.....there is nothing about <a href="http://rebeccasower.typepad.com/rs_out_of_hand/2010/09/stitching-step-by-step.html">this little tutorial </a>that I didn't instantly fall in love with. <em>(But I restrained myself from heading to the needlepoint shop for some fancy wool threads....instead...allowed myself 2 new skeins of teal DMC floss and a strand of pearls at AC Moore using my 40% off coupon, bien sur que oui!....the rest came from my stash.)<br /></em><br /><div></div><div>Needing some lovely words or a saying to complete this piece...then I want to frame it for the wall in our family room. Want to find a nice fabric "3" to add as well. We shall see how it evolves....</div><br /><div>So this is what I did late into the evening on Friday while catching up on some DVRd tv shows. A pretty perfect pairing, I'd say!</div><div></div></div></div>Soozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159939942360379866noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24857960.post-77894541000158840222010-08-15T08:49:00.005-04:002010-08-15T09:46:29.874-04:00Because "3" Is No Longer a BABY!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZUOD5mL96B4-cm0nOYo0OFehvfuyQdBQVN-AiciE87JzdmUrnIsJ_3N9yRLvC3J1_IGu1ysDmaLHiKN44DEbAuGS9Yi7BHZM_loPbzvFcu8kYLdYfu8Iv_cV143nzw5N5EHSMw/s1600/DSC01136.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505624030696405858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZUOD5mL96B4-cm0nOYo0OFehvfuyQdBQVN-AiciE87JzdmUrnIsJ_3N9yRLvC3J1_IGu1ysDmaLHiKN44DEbAuGS9Yi7BHZM_loPbzvFcu8kYLdYfu8Iv_cV143nzw5N5EHSMw/s320/DSC01136.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">I need to come up with a name for this one....</span></em></div><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em></div>In the mood to revamp every room of the house.<br /><div> </div><div>Started small last week, with a new quilt for Little Miss's toddler bed....since the IKEA duvet cover on her wee comforter looks so babyish to me. (And um, yeah. For those of you playing along at home, YES, the ORB quilt-along quilt top is STILL unfinished. Your point?)</div><div> </div><div>Based loosely on the <a href="http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/products/free_patterns.php">Amy Butler Ginger Bliss pattern</a>, using fabrics from my stash (mostly <a href="http://www.kaffefassett.com/Fabrics.html">Kaffe Fassett</a> and <a href="http://www.annamariahorner.com/productfabric.html">Anna Maria Horner</a>'s "Garden Party")...planning a RED backing...need to get more Kaffe fabric (I used up quite a bit of fabric! Aren't you proud of me for CUTTING INTO IT, <a href="http://stellaland.typepad.com/">STELLA</a>?)<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505624018560578194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNq8hZ9OYlHomjrbzyS-9sgNY73edDDOI3iFllEq7HYAswzHS0m4NUVuEMk_KjkQeTg_GETUsgRErgfZJGr6j96X4Ax1FrVNHk1sc-YVOZaUBboRgUYzEhrWq_1HxgEclsixLHw/s320/DSC01134.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Mac was not budging from his spot....</span></em></div><div>What I learned: </div><ol><li>I should have had a better PLAN! All those polka dots really JUMP OUT at you - I should have spaced it all out better.</li><br /><li>Next time - chose MORE fabrics. It got harder and harder to piece the rows as my stash dwindled. I ended up adding some rogue pieces that weren't originally intended...and I think it shows. (Don't let the Quilt Police Ladies see this!)<br />I really like "just winging it" as opposed to following a pattern or <em>(horrors!)</em> using a cutting template. I think that makes me a "modern quilter" according to the <a href="http://www.quiltershomemag.com/issues/June_July_2010">June/July issue of Quilter's Home</a>. I'll take it!</li><br /><li>The best part was the extra set of helping hands laying out the blocks as I finished them....on Thursday night she gathered them all up in her fists and took them TO BED with her. I couldn't figure out where she put them...and sure enough, she had them clutched in her hand while her Daddy read to her. (And fell asleep that way. Luckily for me, I LIKE ironing so I didn't mind starting over with that step on Friday night. hee. Love her to the moon!)</li></ol>Soozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159939942360379866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24857960.post-18810944470171446402010-07-18T10:46:00.004-04:002010-07-18T11:04:21.057-04:00The Great Big Stitched Postcard Swap<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ovCgD6_qlal8DJMtqmbIHNn6I4WsrZGbdPnnlDU8sQcZtntmgJNtkSLtvIN9UMnFUS_HmcEt4Xg1tCWZfpzO48shywLpvzHEIBHtb5nTYTPm43IigTNxmZ5KxHCBPkh8qt-mwg/s1600/postcard_swap_blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495260852105553778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 222px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ovCgD6_qlal8DJMtqmbIHNn6I4WsrZGbdPnnlDU8sQcZtntmgJNtkSLtvIN9UMnFUS_HmcEt4Xg1tCWZfpzO48shywLpvzHEIBHtb5nTYTPm43IigTNxmZ5KxHCBPkh8qt-mwg/s320/postcard_swap_blog.jpg" border="0" /></a>Thanks to a recommendation by <a href="http://stellaland.typepad.com/">Stella</a>, I participated in <a href="http://aspecialjourneyofmyown.blogspot.com/2010/07/times-up-great-big-stitched-postcard.html">The Great Big Stitched Postcard Swap</a>, hosted by <a href="http://aspecialjourneyofmyown.blogspot.com/">Beth Nichols</a>. <div><div><div> </div><div>Here is the postcard I received from <a href="http://www.lanasgarden.com/">Lana in Australia</a>:<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495259962905183698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianiSis00BsrXOGynBWrdfsbDeIuOd0qJMG3KF9HkFNgs5DMptwQoNEwAhyr4UZUDQ_h4ahyphenhyphenl_xIuTz87CF0dQfJfGv5n5ExNjKjLoRcPoW0Bqmm69p1oiwn266gs3SBojjuq_Ig/s320/DSC01098.jpg" border="0" /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495259971869245842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRzjS8A7Hco_kqT7zh3X81Nma9XHCRKw7oGlw9LhmIjEXOu_Ea0lRcdttyh4PrvP3hS9kobrYy3uUmSPAQozK6HEl4V8k6Dzwl0pNv2FOaUWEC9VBpjf-h8xRUD6Hu_Wkf7le_fw/s320/DSC01099.jpg" border="0" /><em>(Bonus: Yummy Vera Bradley fabric on the back.)</em><br /><br /><div></div><div>Lana wrote: "The theme being 'time,' I have shown seed to seedling to tree." The photo doesn't do it justice - I love it! Thanks, Lana!</div><br /><div></div><div>I was most delinquent in sending mine off to Carol in the UK (apologies, Carol!) so I will wait until she receives it to post the photos of the postcard I made. In the meantime, check out the Flickr group for more: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/greatbigstitchedpostcardswap/">http://www.flickr.com/groups/greatbigstitchedpostcardswap/</a> </div></div></div>Soozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159939942360379866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24857960.post-9954320752769306262010-06-09T20:28:00.004-04:002010-06-09T20:48:31.551-04:00I Caved...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX_Rl60kWRXefvU7bDKNnO5faGd9wga4kOVdWWuVsnYP4dX_Pydk3HhGbSQRNoSgl3nQ1KhMcQf3PRIASOoDguFhbaFwOqvXOD9InaU3wJb28n-jfPvTbGcky_u1z1W16lV5daLQ/s1600/DSC00948.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480939709017130626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX_Rl60kWRXefvU7bDKNnO5faGd9wga4kOVdWWuVsnYP4dX_Pydk3HhGbSQRNoSgl3nQ1KhMcQf3PRIASOoDguFhbaFwOqvXOD9InaU3wJb28n-jfPvTbGcky_u1z1W16lV5daLQ/s320/DSC00948.JPG" border="0" /></a> ...I said I wasn't going to do it. <div><div><br /><div>I don't NEED another notebook/journal. </div><div> </div><div>I am sure a regular dollar store composition notebook would have worked <em>JUST FINE.</em></div><br /><div><em></em></div><div>But...</div></div><div></div><div><br /><div>I <em>really, really, <strong>really</strong></em> wanted to try the <a href="http://www.moleskine.com/catalogue/classic/cahier/cardboard_kraft_cover/set_of_3_ruled_cahier_journals__kraft__large.php">Moleskine notebook </a>like all the cool girls have for their art journals! (Surely that is the secret to fabulous spreads, no?) </div><br /><div></div><div>Precisely!</div><br /><div></div><div>And so far, I am in love.</div><br /><div></div><div>Behold my new journal for my <a href="http://paperrelics.com/besottment/lovelynotions/lovelynotions.html">Lovely Notions </a>class.</div><br /><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480938422140901826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4hpueTxfMQxJdgqBv0UKHc1wdw-CF3SgH-pcH7c7dxZ29Xr0SThUZLSeDnfyA9hag2o7yG45jlAibvB-ln_KO0vVO_Tsy6WzIib4Yv9i5dUxTwEXn4g-9tPYCa7RfsYKbhjmfw/s320/DSC00946.JPG" border="0" /><br />Kraft cover, decoupaged with papers from the Lovely Notions class, plus a paper doily and some K&Company bling and paper ribbon tape in Wild Saffron. The fabric insert on the lovely lady's dress is fabric from my wedding dress (swatches I have been saving for TEN YEARS. Oy.) </div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480938428213983746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpM8Q0SuDBr03ofdE1sWz0cBhxeY1ID3Q0eM7M6hyAv5Oo8321QoOvjDWrTV4669S6Neb_Y_R_YVQE0nDX6RRFbu9KRg61TdcFVQCJGxQPwFTlKja7ymmSNFjvJI8IyBbP_bUkfg/s320/DSC00951.JPG" border="0" /> First exercise was to use a favorite quote.<br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480938434296715122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcw0to0IPhuoAcexUDla_TnmUvdkjLB8jIkInPd9BUeZdo6Tu9lgEoKuXjQwtIslVadUHmvtUlzf05W2kI6W1-2pD908QgWT6IosRwrgjExSBm6S7DYZkfo8xjwfQTF_AoXUDsEg/s320/DSC00953.JPG" border="0" />Turned out quite lovely indeed, if I do say so!</div></div>Soozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159939942360379866noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24857960.post-40467456078144144202010-06-05T09:08:00.003-04:002010-06-05T09:19:39.342-04:00Rainbow Around the Block Project<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXfxb_Vg6l-9upCf7yG1DjMLDVYUEl2TxcLsi-eiNEn8Mq0xL42hj6kspUe4SbaIFi2rOAcbd8JlXM69Pt6FCuBVUU6qHajYzkc-Rse9eXaCXudCVnphV3v5G5qiTX_21FzRqemQ/s1600/RATB.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479276435487663762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 319px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXfxb_Vg6l-9upCf7yG1DjMLDVYUEl2TxcLsi-eiNEn8Mq0xL42hj6kspUe4SbaIFi2rOAcbd8JlXM69Pt6FCuBVUU6qHajYzkc-Rse9eXaCXudCVnphV3v5G5qiTX_21FzRqemQ/s320/RATB.jpg" border="0" /></a>I am participating in this project to support victims of the floods in Tennessee, as sponsored by <a href="http://annamariahorner.blogspot.com/">Anna Maria Horner</a>. Read more about it <a href="http://annamariahorner.blogspot.com/2010/06/rainbow-around-block.html">here</a> and see entries on the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/rainbowaroundtheblock/">flickr pool here</a>. I can't seem to get another quilt FINISHED (I tend to stall at the "sandwiching" stage) but I can certainly zip through a few 12" squares! Who is in with me?Soozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159939942360379866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24857960.post-696673433717510672010-05-23T18:36:00.003-04:002010-05-23T19:26:34.567-04:00More Artful Amblings pages......caught up with my Artful Amblings - Year in the Life of an Art Journal pages. Not really thrilled with most of these....the prompts didn't flow easily for me. But I decided to soldier on and post nonetheless.... <div><div><div><div><br /><div>UN: this one was really tough for me...wanted a positive word (but you can see my mind wasn't cooperating...lot of negative "un's" in there!) I knew I wanted to try a tape transfer - and tho' it didn't turn out exactly right, I liked it for this photo...so I went with it. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474605432328268386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN70Zl9hNM5gvccDFp_5iWul7lJA2K6ilPAFOS2VnHpePhmf0UMjc45uhMZSUoqGoG8zx8g4Ce2SzNWqGqLoIYi2lGKyewkL_Uc4mkn98iwkUDOlx81qOso46wRoANRnKkZHUmxg/s320/DSC00914.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><div>SOAR: I had recently read this quote and thought it perfect for this prompt....an inspirational reminder to me to be my authentic self....</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474605410201296418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZQna1xWsYMUY7kMbgQ85flXCwi55A-5oISGNS0fXtzHtRX7CW0ewhXyE5bwa3mNxEvbix0oLiu013oSXmpwM4WX1y_0Lx6JsZTAFvOQGNRSY1LYZdW4jepW3d3oRGh4nfxQj3A/s320/DSC00910.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>MOVE: Stole a line from Len on Dancing with the Stars when he scolded the "Stars" to listen to their dance pros when he told them to "show up, shut up and keep up!" Struggling with ENERGY for quite a while now...need to keep reminding myself to just KEEP MOVING.</div><div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474605420854151666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0cIhqJOOOlOKhk5PvvdNy6BS7rP4DUlPhU6TK8qNoQsy0dJUdw1_ylQ_4gDFkeECibMF-CkVNI91-cQv6YJQFwd6Zvlsz-nSMbEL-0W-tyX9oRlNnzDng1uY9n1JpnqoUUWiQgA/s320/DSC00911.jpg" border="0" /> <div>TEARS: Was in the mood to collage and these colors are my favorites right now....the little yellow sub-page is for some private words on the topic....I think this needs more work but not sure what I want to do to it. I may doodle a bit more....love the layers.</div><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474605436919991346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJldDzbU2LHVwDT8T7mABpBXihUobm6oX_DShzNL6sgHcFGMPhjzhyjAxEqnbAMM8nZeA1evCyPp3TjqEACOjGzkbpHVbwJHSm7ln1K_qdC6FCUilKu-dsO7lthn_LCVfURFXWVA/s320/DSC00916.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>TANGLED: This didn't come out at ALL like I envisioned....loved my idea of the entangled circles - first thing I thought of was the TANGLED MESS inside my jewelry box (no matter how many times I re-re-re-organize!) - and I liked the bold black word across the page...but then I tried to use my Portfolio oil pastels to highlight the lettering and ugh, I just don't like it now.</div><div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474605446759701010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIn7hwvaf9QObKdNsVdf1bENeuG89_DouA4O4Si2KCWxAFwvTGlpN03FRGArNFqhmePdd9-fIAbf0JPCIOqZPRM3pYXcIBF-zC7SIvynLT02aPAEpoyE2xujDTbmurOPGLf4-oBQ/s320/DSC00923.jpg" border="0" /><br />....and now I off to watch the LOST FINALE (so sad!)<br /><div> </div></div></div></div></div>Soozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159939942360379866noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24857960.post-19003912538536972342010-05-22T15:16:00.004-04:002010-05-22T15:31:15.009-04:00My next art journal...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTp_CmKfG2YCKFSJZvmSA9j-RPyzhyphenhyphenBK98W3lHOopsxDgv3jnUujuICrlll6bluYFPZ-b0odl7RUzo_o6A2NExmslBhrVF6DQKizeKhsoecBtc86G2yTHD7f_b6xxIoogdqJJtNw/s1600/DSC00909.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474178744917207858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTp_CmKfG2YCKFSJZvmSA9j-RPyzhyphenhyphenBK98W3lHOopsxDgv3jnUujuICrlll6bluYFPZ-b0odl7RUzo_o6A2NExmslBhrVF6DQKizeKhsoecBtc86G2yTHD7f_b6xxIoogdqJJtNw/s320/DSC00909.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>..will have this fabric cover ala the technique <a href="http://teeshascircus.blogspot.com/">Teesha Moore </a>taught in her latest <a href="http://teeshascircus.blogspot.com/2010/04/fabric-journal-video-last-in-series.html">video shares</a>. </div><br /><div></div><div>Seriously loving this technique....and that it is a portable project. Love to have something to take along on long car rides...and these little "quilt pillows" are addictive!</div><br /><div></div><div>Niki & Kaylin - we must plan a stitching weekend! xoxoxo</div>Soozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159939942360379866noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24857960.post-14913976267545951692010-04-11T10:46:00.005-04:002010-04-11T13:11:05.674-04:00Nostalgic Musings e-Course<div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458894469500825762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr6hh5osl4eeG01aCnmXI4zRp2zrS0sreUIglebpisV_B_Sdz_J6LKwAUYdfMVgw9sIVduMeHGwG4wJWR2mO1kGogWB5o2q4bElDcNERG07jxTxXOboUlRKo0zhNHW8HvOzLSkLw/s320/DSC00714.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458894460464187154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDQug44Uukh3Fc559huEBzsvBozKHWPK-al9PvTKli7la9n4JmZvRwyrzYChe5-eKKQrBCb_-QYsfOIYqNlUiDxX8C83n960im4_MyhOiM-3pXkxFkhmCoiRoxfRRlpkFhqbrl3w/s320/DSC00700.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:85%;"> <em><span style="color:#00cccc;">Handmade journal - using <a href="http://www.teeshamoore.com/how_to_make_journals.htm">Teesha Moore's tutorial </a></span></em></span><br /><div align="left">Oh my...lovin' me some art journaling these days!</div><div><br /></div><div align="left">Taking <a href="http://besottment.com/besottment/">Hope Wallace Karney's </a>Nostalgic Musings art journaling e-course...and love love love every bit of it so far. Cannot wait 'til tomorrow...first prompt arrives!! These photos are of the first two exercises. I can see doing many more spreads using these techniques/layouts. Loving how the watercolor looks - (as opposed to my usual acrylics and markers.)</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Pages below are the first two exercises....cannot wait for the first prompt tomorrow! <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458894480993794754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJAK_ulPE7brgtAtfQ6q5_F69Kk6oqZOHwEQ2NdGTZVawpYSfysD91TbudRZ1ZwWb-BKReeK9LvSqhyphenhypheny5PROYsnov_A1SOIUxfnkVEIVf3E4M1HNMiwgBKo47WTkJFkKr5yeKf4A/s320/DSC00702.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458894473821514754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP9NtnTmhjsDZ1i8RUjn7CtuuGqYfk02fZrj4XYCuhD8-Kj0-iSx_Vovzu9u_ajRY5hpW5dFhKMF4oR1XZWvQnqUt3Ik85G3jH0AJjnBkyCtRTLLuIeZAlngffHLfCkgJTVQLsbQ/s320/DSC00701.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458894488923402434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_ZVzpGU87jkSBIV-myEIG_UI-8TFUhn9UQOoFVN_qWswZsphSMJkXRlgCFiMVyz9U-u6R05jmV0Lv084YhqVhXah_7Ny7Abc5l1u5BjIT3lw93U8z4BkKYa9tGvIdKbqyWjKLw/s320/DSC00703.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /></div>Soozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159939942360379866noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24857960.post-60534466927031890912010-03-28T13:50:00.003-04:002010-03-28T14:43:36.324-04:00Artful Amblings...Prompts 2, 3, 4<div><div>I am so behind in my posts! I've been spending lots of time with my art journals...(neglecting my stitching/quilting!)...and have been so inspired by the group participating in<a href="http://oneyearartjournal.blogspot.com/"> A Year in the Life of an Art Journal</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Over the last week or so I caught up with scanning my pages for the prompts.</div><div> </div><div>The Jan 30th prompt, "Hope": <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453746445643853938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 226px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtPTXQTxfZWnwjdGOW1R18k9i1P0EjTB3ZYYrubYvNTC8imuzKggj2Kpvsvg_Z7Vy6q7JrOfEXsIraQF46j8BfevcMIIDNVPKvEWUIs1RJOWP-mHJUwyHeQ5kPW8PY9TDisBwzQ/s320/ScannedImage.jpg" border="0" /></div><div><em>This started as a blue painted page (big surprise there! blue?!?) and didn't like where it was going....so I painted over it with some pink acrylic paint and sprayed some Glimmer Mist over the masked word "Hope" then outlined the letters before removing the mask; decoupaged torn pieces of napkin on the left (covered some messy stamping!), added some stamped butterflies and dots, the word "hope" repeated down the right edge, and my favorite part - some book text words to write out my thought. Love using gel medium as glue and sealant all in one...for these teeny words I used a small paintbrush to apply the gel --first to adhere the text to the page and then to paint over the words with the gel to give them a bit a sheen.</em><br /><br /></div><div>And the Feb 15th prompt, "The Unknown"</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453746450725783170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 237px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaszq26cw_lUGHKHJha5ghMrJu5-J0bit1STHQrE9DTQKhaU2xlC6KV5xvJdnS_RDfWvf7d7HEvznTOXADt8o5JVVKZgsS96MWDhDMeREYzkM2qKBJuVanJb1fUB5_OU4gCKUo9g/s320/ScannedImage.jpg" border="0" /><em>This started as a blank white page....I spilled some ink while playing with my calligraphy nibs, and decided to just leave it and doodle around it (not happy with how that came out....but there you have it)...the photo is from an ad in a magazine....the journaling is done with an UltraFine Point Sharpie marker....love how they write over the watercolor paper and the glossy magazine page. Very tempted to paint over those dang doodles/ink splotches....would have liked to see this as all black/gray/white....hmmm....</em><br /><div></div><br /><div>And the Feb 28th prompt, "Silence"</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453746459029679778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfvKl1QNSAJqOUUm3ZIAITskY5fxjuK5M62BD_JaCsIRKqpSx0GSjjdO3CdelYX4dN1v798-esu6D7oFg-P9HNM-IT3aMnyuwQL5H3T1YJv67e4wo0-i8_tTgleQMhYDdyoGWjLg/s320/ScannedImage-2.jpg" border="0" /><em>Right, right....we all know how LOUD I am and that I don't like total QUIET....so true to form, this page did not come out in soothing, pale hues. Loving the white pens of late....trying to find the ones that write smoothly without BLOTCHING....no luck with the paint pen versions -- is my technique the problem? How do you keep the paint/ink flowing without pressing out GOBS of it? I do like the Galaxy Marker in Milky Way White by American Crafts....broad point (used it to color in the doodles and outline the word "Silence" - but it isn't as opaque as I'd like. And it feels like it is "running out" already after only a few uses.) </em></div><em></em><br /><br /><em></em><div><em>Still working on my page for the March 15th prompt...will post it soon as it is finished and scanned. </em></div><em></em><br /><em></em><em></em><br /><em>Happy Sunday...and whoever took Spring away....we'd like it back, please.</em> <div><br /><br /></div>Soozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159939942360379866noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24857960.post-47889078109112990432010-01-30T18:09:00.005-05:002010-01-31T10:28:38.600-05:00Remains of the Day Journal...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinEEEC0X9CFrdCkx2dA10nFbHSP3U2At3dRoWh1LucNXyI5H8thwsW9AEleWiSg5tWB7nVthYU_yRIcDLjIaoIOTz6CBuetn5KJ1hYNZT1qzMJ_ySwQgwNZQdU9VoxrejxxFT65A/s1600-h/DSC00598.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432682421011556274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinEEEC0X9CFrdCkx2dA10nFbHSP3U2At3dRoWh1LucNXyI5H8thwsW9AEleWiSg5tWB7nVthYU_yRIcDLjIaoIOTz6CBuetn5KJ1hYNZT1qzMJ_ySwQgwNZQdU9VoxrejxxFT65A/s320/DSC00598.JPG" border="0" /></a> Finally uploaded the photos of my <a href="http://dispatchfromla.typepad.com/dispatch_from_la/rotdoci.html">ROTD journal</a>...and some of the pages in progress.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432682422954359954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmbahVF6H7j6v_4p_ZDPjDWrw1bSVctK__-BXHtXqMBJrn0M4yh19mDMgUqEwWd-OQ-MgJeVZ14IxnWDvy_dmd9WaYPIV1R5s3Vz6pfazhyIhmAb2bIXZUHgve29OuGwi40CwKgg/s320/DSC00596.JPG" border="0" />Silk ribbons for the tie....<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432682440484075842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyIW_LW_5fO-pSg1aYpTaYmg9-gHoWqZ_ftOwLcViN7XlPXByodT8rTtYvpZiWLIGcclTcLyWn50QeQAR-CU1l-I3xp2OrM-PZRfImrUg_pgQrkCLFFgWDei_p6myTqCxcxymLlQ/s320/DSC00602.JPG" border="0" />Some applique on the front cover (hidden under the flap when closed).<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432682427184688594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhCw9UglAD3a8PlzNi_3OOOZzVOhMSw3udvwsMMyXpLHEJqoWFW8e8aRG7U8xUSLWhhXAnWF4h1oXh6QLBEadOYPwxm7tpiCobGnJneP3cKfPjxll4Kn1ruVs6f9_Jkb3EMHVlA/s320/DSC00599.JPG" border="0" />The inside lining...<br /><br />I added a patchwork strip to hold pens..<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432682434954384050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiethyphenhyphenN0J2Q8_XgQK8ZRwunqUdNetS4KZ0p095v4ddqL-8bty2rFRC1IiREYofwpwUpzn8hn_n3RCzB9yQSyErKZKF7QeT_-ghC4k18ltYaGyTu9BEIm4LxVsi_CXL3eK7y5VX9Q/s320/DSC00601.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br />Loving this online class from <a href="http://dispatchfromla.typepad.com/">Mary Ann Moss.</a> I keep watching the videos to learn how she puts her pages together - love this idea of using up the bits and pieces that you have (er, hoard!) and making background pages for journaling on.<br /><br /><br />I ended up with four FAT signatures -- but only two fit in the journal...(so guess who will be making ANOTHER cover!?)<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432711504347532210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyuZSZv-RsiS7194AmPGFim1be4n-nVIB5yVmIQwKoLHpzOTeoB6pzqQU9ToNryYZy8XGhoiRZDFNvKMw8XzEomCWUUxINjUHZOjhwXfNH5ZR3hYx43xeOeFHqPYiRyBO2OK3ikw/s320/DSC00606.JPG" border="0" />I used a bunch of thin, kraft-brown pages from a sketch journal as a base for stitching other bits to. This is a security envelope sewed onto the page as a pocket...with a bit of fabric tacked on (yep. Anna Maria Horner. From her first line - "Bohemian")<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432711494525706786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgUJWNXq3JQoylwqLJ66UtzCZ6OvslosxvfqmUkgF40TCEfypZ4yb4wgoRgxhpwmx-b3QLn8fI5uHTqchZh3dah0o3YSelqHD15VOhOqZkjv7IbLxftP-4lKIU8Z8g-YmoxoyRkg/s320/DSC00608.JPG" border="0" /><br />Scrapbook papers in my favorite greens...the picture is from a <a href="http://www.papayaart.com/">PaPaYa catalog</a> (oh artful loveliness...how much do I want ONE OF EACH! And GUESS WHAT?!?! They are making <a href="http://www.papayablog.com/2010/01/papaya-artist-pam-garrisons-handmade-journals.html">WRAPPING PAPER </a>out of <a href="http://pamgarrison.typepad.com/">PAM GARRISON's </a>ART JOURNAL PAGES! oh my. CANNOT WAIT.)<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432711493538485970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivKqkgVXgeJHGHkgw1hWObl0qAbF8lFNsP_yDh_dRboz313rxuRXshU6lYC8BOJ1J2A6CnP1pJMjIVIsmUOvOpeg1e7E5f9_IolW27YNF4jIMy5HsT1eS1xj_L3UCuP16cpR-x0g/s320/DSC00604.JPG" border="0" /><br />The newsprint paper bag is from a scrapbooking store (can't recall which? I just always save these types of bags because I love them...can't trash 'em!) I trimmed it down and stitched the bottom closed - left the top open so I can slip things inside. Beneath it is a page from an old atlas. The bird and butterfly were cut out of an ad from a <a href="http://www.stampington.com/html/main_magazines.html">Somerset Studios magazine</a>, the Making Memories packaging is from their <a href="http://www.makingmemories.com/Products/collections/vintage-findings">Vintage Findings line </a>(love it) and the quote is from the packaging of some <a href="http://www.kandcompany.com/shop/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=65">Amy Butler stickers</a>.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432711481834851698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaQ6WhW1_soTJgmASbqspB56CniGpB6WbwrB2XzyEFaFFu2WFznaOEtu8KU2uEpfpVU07IiqTzfyLX8JmHedpaKFcXdDDfSaYnzpVww4mrcn_lDPcNpInC3UmE_5a6s4sqiMjyqQ/s320/DSC00603.JPG" border="0" />The page on the left is a gorgeous painting of an almond plant from a hotel/spa room service breakfast menu...the green/white checked page is a bag from <a href="http://www.queensink.com/">The Queen's Ink stamp shoppe </a>that<a href="http://aimporco.blogspot.com/"> Aimee </a>and I stopped in on the way to and from <a href="http://www.donnadowney.com/">Inspired</a> last year<em>...(we need another ROAD TRIP, AIM!)...</em><br /><em></em><br />I cannot believe how many HOURS I spent stitching up these PAGES! (It is ADDICTING, I warn you!) Seriously. I could do it all day (and I did last Sunday!)<br /><br />Next step: sewing the signatures into the spine. Can't wait!<br /><em><br /><br /></em><em><br /></em>Soozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159939942360379866noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24857960.post-3805739715926218752010-01-22T05:37:00.004-05:002010-01-23T16:20:07.688-05:00Prompt 1 - Artful Amblings Art Journal<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6XTh7RWK2u-9gupJyxy2v1GXS3RRl9e2ZWpcZ1nJS-5U2x0Xv8M7VAJ7wal5p53-ab4NSXdQZPA6Ck17_ki6Y8Te2ZHd28jMAInhJ3UuP0_0SWAVJ8aIyrFUMgpHQ8zSqxxDcQQ/s1600-h/ScannedImage.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430046817129227282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 256px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6XTh7RWK2u-9gupJyxy2v1GXS3RRl9e2ZWpcZ1nJS-5U2x0Xv8M7VAJ7wal5p53-ab4NSXdQZPA6Ck17_ki6Y8Te2ZHd28jMAInhJ3UuP0_0SWAVJ8aIyrFUMgpHQ8zSqxxDcQQ/s320/ScannedImage.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The first prompt of 2010's <a href="http://oneyearartjournal.blogspot.com/">A Year in the Life of an Art Journal</a> was posted on the 15th. (Prompts are twice monthly, on the 15th and 30th.) </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The prompt is: "WHAT? What is holding you back? What is stopping you? What are you afraid of? What is keeping you from your potential? WHAT?!?"</div><br /><div></div><div>I answered in relation to my art journaling process. Even though I love to sit down with any of my journals - even if it is just to doodle a bit while watching TV or relaxing...sometimes that WHITE PAGE just causes me to freeze. And especially when the plan is to share it on a group site. Rachel's idea to write out all the reasons holding you back and then PAINT OVER THEM to take away their power was a great exercise for me. Originally, I started with a watercolored page, wrote all along the border of the page and filled in with some circle stamped images. But I really didn't like the end result...so I gessoed over it all and added two shades of acrylic paint as a base to start again. I used a Sharpie fine point pen for the journaling, and markers to fill in the letters. The stamps are a sheet of stamps I bought eons ago and cut up and foam-mounted myself (not very well!) The circle stamp is 7gypsies. The collaged bits are cut from a paint chip flyer. I love that I can still see a bit of the journaling peeking through the layers around the edges. </div>Soozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159939942360379866noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24857960.post-63649058743878261952010-01-17T12:55:00.002-05:002010-01-17T13:33:06.236-05:00Art Journaling...2010<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-eLLWbNk6Q86eJDlwDcZW6OT_8cbtbve-lYX3zqYkihJqXRsZjkjuPjSubbvzTPJWtWzM3ue5P6iVziX3QzuC_L9tpQByiZjaUrFVDg5n4nEywYXwxDBBgkjip7R4sscJokz2PA/s1600-h/DSC00572.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427770395904925458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-eLLWbNk6Q86eJDlwDcZW6OT_8cbtbve-lYX3zqYkihJqXRsZjkjuPjSubbvzTPJWtWzM3ue5P6iVziX3QzuC_L9tpQByiZjaUrFVDg5n4nEywYXwxDBBgkjip7R4sscJokz2PA/s320/DSC00572.JPG" border="0" /></a>Ever since I participated in Emily Falconbridge's "Deck of Me" art journal group in 2007 - I have loved having an art journal (or two, or three...) going, and especially having regular prompts to keep me company along the way.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAkuxr3e2l23R7RLfyXyDbfQbRNBWdsOVNRMVtFSdybR4DVnjpmUhpeC5CIowZx0lQl5cpLR5wYVpcfR15lkRk00cnx2_jhkyxNCOVv4oimtBGjCjJHnM-RvN7fvmkI8tTeK42A/s1600-h/DSC00575.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427770391232854962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAkuxr3e2l23R7RLfyXyDbfQbRNBWdsOVNRMVtFSdybR4DVnjpmUhpeC5CIowZx0lQl5cpLR5wYVpcfR15lkRk00cnx2_jhkyxNCOVv4oimtBGjCjJHnM-RvN7fvmkI8tTeK42A/s320/DSC00575.JPG" border="0" /></a> This year, I am participating in <a href="http://oneyearartjournal.blogspot.com/">"A Year in the Life of an Art Journal"</a> - with Rachel Wetzel.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZRJq-qvb7Yo9-V3IV3jLigUmHelkNkzhf5JpD6wV1S7vVHsAnXaGVgQLTPc4dfnaPwtkPN4bIKhsOcVM9CZAOkoWHsyp9UqT-LnOdM3jirLtmArMNYBVj98qfkoWxOnzfDjBjzA/s1600-h/DSC00571.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427770379705251362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZRJq-qvb7Yo9-V3IV3jLigUmHelkNkzhf5JpD6wV1S7vVHsAnXaGVgQLTPc4dfnaPwtkPN4bIKhsOcVM9CZAOkoWHsyp9UqT-LnOdM3jirLtmArMNYBVj98qfkoWxOnzfDjBjzA/s320/DSC00571.JPG" border="0" /></a>This is the book I will be using (watercolor paper signatures, the cover is a patchwork of <a href="http://annamariahorner.blogspot.com/">Anna Maria Horner</a> fabrics - inspired by the journal <a href="http://annamariahorner.blogspot.com/">Pam Garrison </a>created from Mary Ann Moss's online class <a href="http://dispatchfromla.typepad.com/dispatch_from_la/2009/11/the-latest-pure-experimentation-online-class-has-arrived.html">The Remains of the Day</a> (which I have signed up for but haven't received yet....I CANNOT WAIT!) </div><div> </div><div>And so...the first PROMPT was posted on Friday...my morning has been spent layering some paints and textures on the page - I think I am going to go with some stamping and collage....all subject to change as the mood strikes! Will share when it is finished!</div></div>Soozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159939942360379866noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24857960.post-90467197143042884302010-01-10T10:27:00.005-05:002010-01-10T11:52:48.574-05:00It's all about pretending, right?<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoxxIoWsR1a_cD6gHt_AMTu7A2hILCUTRGUEVfOwEXmbrb1cMSBrDLFPUBtufXIr_5fGBUKNRddLUcVoAfFYiA1MB87_u-0TKP1IdPPwr1MUoCIyCJUUVVzdn7TML8BQBrhHPB2A/s1600-h/DSC00564.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425151243231243586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoxxIoWsR1a_cD6gHt_AMTu7A2hILCUTRGUEVfOwEXmbrb1cMSBrDLFPUBtufXIr_5fGBUKNRddLUcVoAfFYiA1MB87_u-0TKP1IdPPwr1MUoCIyCJUUVVzdn7TML8BQBrhHPB2A/s320/DSC00564.JPG" border="0" /></a> ...as in fairy tales and make believe.<br /><div><br /><div><div></div><div>So pretend you can't see the gobs of hot glue which were needed to shore-up my attempts to hand tie the frame of twigs. <em>(I had better luck with the canopy when I stripped down some twistie ties for the thin wire. Just right.)</em></div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425151255173179698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0Q52XDhdsLfpuCPDCeo9zM_ZHOnKzjEHV19BG9F_1TkoyBYqBq0FEza9itrS9oRDW0YqJqvLn2JfqWTHklxkobg4vYbMo8ZTtkZWT0si6BS405hCg7XDfhIZhPtp-T5iXJnLLQ/s320/DSC00565.JPG" border="0" />And pretend that the left, front twig is not completely unsuited to serving as a bed post due to its curves.<em> (It was dark out when I busted the twigs off the tree in the front yard, because, yes, I HAD to start this project the moment I got home from work on Thursday after seeing it on </em><a href="http://embers.typepad.com/e/2010/01/thrifty-gifts-part-one.html"><em>Emily Falconbridge's blog </em></a><em>that day.) </em><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425151246727952562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8DamZ8XY_ThBhCs8goQ58st5MMIMBB6WEOks-Hf_jsglbrL3Z-jRz8n9AMGdDFQ__yq3U5Plv8GYRCYJuwe43AgIwCgiE9qS-Fi9ZCL0qmXQ6gLiW8Q5w8ctTf8dF_EyyrvdYaw/s320/DSC00563.JPG" border="0" /> Other than those minor issues - (hee!) - I am smitten with my version of The Princess and the Pea bed for Little Miss (ok, for ME and Little Miss!) You'll note the Princess in our version is sporting a gown of <a href="http://annamariahorner.blogspot.com/">Anna Maria Horner's Garden Party Polka Dots fabric </a>for the bodice, and <a href="http://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/fabricdetail/1695">Liberty of London Tana Lawn in Navy/Red </a>for her skirt. With that garb alone she is clearly a princess, right? <em>(Note to self--metallic DMC floss is a b*tch to tie and KEEP tied. May have to replace her sash with some narrow ribbon...that is, if the gown lasts. Sirryha is in the habit of disrobing all of her dolls and tossing aside their clothes never to be worn again. Oh dear. Doesn't bode well for us enjoying Barbies much, eh? Maybe she will grow out of it? Moms? Yeah or nay? Is there any hope for me on this one?)</em><br /><br /><div>Sigh. Oh well. At least she didn't smash up the bed! (I am guessing it is NOT as sturdy at the one <a href="http://www.embers.typepad.com/">Miss Emily and her hubs </a>created!) I think Sirryha sensed how fragile this whole game was for me! She right away wanted that GOWN OFF of the wee doll, and once we counted the mattresses and restacked them a few times, she went back to her other babies. </div><br /><div><em>And, uh, yeah. For those who will ask---that stack is 20 mini mattresses. (I do have some standards! I Wiki'd the original story for the official count!)</em></div><br /><div></div><div>Alas, Saturday was spent with her other dollies....and the Princess was undisturbed in her slumber atop the leaning tower of bedding! This is Sirryha putting all her babies down for a nap. Note the "Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh" instructions aimed at me! </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425154568764780370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwBSlIqU_xDQ8jMd4361fkUDOGaszYo6Xvs-JzahlNfRzcCnGzF9UyyuX5qBLzmUFUWdUX6gb4N56Jzp4pPEO9KBMLf1qxki90i8GpoV_IS83Gfd3VVhexbaE7Rb0flsVGJFm2qA/s320/DSC00550.JPG" border="0" /> <div></div><div><em>Not sure why the dolls end up under the highchair all the time....seems a tent or playhouse is what I should be constructing, no? </em></div><br /><div>hmmmm....</div></div></div></div>Soozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159939942360379866noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24857960.post-53787636472771312562010-01-03T14:28:00.003-05:002010-01-03T15:46:58.686-05:00One Little Word...2010<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hMT_MkdxSD-GKjzoNuk0mRXKt6NiksewDBkl8atqvZ8lMmU0gtCZyymYh4QPnQn7hh2uhPxJLPdzeHxANZtAGLeqyQCfMyyvv-QjeAMzBnHCeMnp8EFvuG198ZFs2OU8zq6wIQ/s1600-h/DSC00549.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422617521598628930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hMT_MkdxSD-GKjzoNuk0mRXKt6NiksewDBkl8atqvZ8lMmU0gtCZyymYh4QPnQn7hh2uhPxJLPdzeHxANZtAGLeqyQCfMyyvv-QjeAMzBnHCeMnp8EFvuG198ZFs2OU8zq6wIQ/s320/DSC00549.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Love this tradition that I first read about on <a href="http://aliedwards.typepad.com/_a_/2009/12/my-one-little-word-story.html">Ali Edwards' blog </a>a few years back....</div><div></div><br /><div>This year my word is "GO." </div><div></div><br /><div>I needed a VERB. Something to remind me to MOVE....to DO...to GET IT DONE...to VISIT....to ACT. </div><div> </div><div>....and now off I GO to finish cleaning up my DESK!</div>Soozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159939942360379866noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24857960.post-54254416434541572222009-12-27T19:06:00.004-05:002009-12-27T19:27:46.944-05:00Alert the presses!...I think I may have figured out this BLASTED DOUBLE CROCHET STITCH!<br /><br />edited: ...or maybe not?<br /><br />Seriously. This isn't supposed to be HARD, right?Soozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159939942360379866noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24857960.post-8203417499823905022009-12-27T09:50:00.006-05:002009-12-27T10:30:36.854-05:00What I'd rather do....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRWawStpIMS_3103P-4jFqqSoGqb0lJFWs3GIaYkvgNX_zbriPLwLsZpfymCr0-eJwlHCfeDSGieKyzXaaPKu9sKIf0IvR-wEs9rH7JW2GkF5659g-y-fmk9f3eiELWLtjtQzWRQ/s1600-h/DSC00463.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419929946064902306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRWawStpIMS_3103P-4jFqqSoGqb0lJFWs3GIaYkvgNX_zbriPLwLsZpfymCr0-eJwlHCfeDSGieKyzXaaPKu9sKIf0IvR-wEs9rH7JW2GkF5659g-y-fmk9f3eiELWLtjtQzWRQ/s320/DSC00463.JPG" border="0" /></a> ...when I should be doing something like cleaning up my crafting messes, or any other basic household chore!<br /><br /><div>The result of the snowed in Saturday of December 19: a new runner for this side table (the last one had a few burn marks from some candle mishaps. For a while now, the table was bare, but it isn't in very good shape, and I haven't committed to painting it...so I thought a nice little bit of red and white would help!) <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419929947906467266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif4yPxUJGn99y1geJVpcWlr1YdsTZROFKSBXJ2oaIrPxaPqYedYZxOyv-RDwrZe64JqovRsowIm9zZzd_e2dQLQy13qylqhMtvOJXHmhSRs20xbC4GgnWEJFHa2ehTY0GRHiEu7Q/s320/DSC00462.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>These were all scraps/pieces from my stash (as I couldn't have gotten out to the shops if I wanted to what with the 15 inches of snow and all....) and I managed a few pillow tops to match, too! </div><br /><div>Hmmm.....I can keep these out through Valentine's Day, right? </div><div> </div><div></div><div>P.S. The photo is one of my all-time favorites of my mom. Circa 1959, newly married, black tights and a gold silk tunic, platinum blonde hair, holding a set of bongo drums she bought for my dad for Christmas (...because he "always wanted to be a drummer.") The lampshade is festooned with simple ball ornaments suspended by silk ribbons - tres chic. (I need to update that frame! I think I know just the thing.....will require a trip to Home Goods!)</div>Soozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159939942360379866noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24857960.post-15349192181324064332009-12-12T10:30:00.006-05:002009-12-12T11:00:15.809-05:00The prize package arrived!OK ...for those who made me promise to share what I received from the <a href="http://www.timholtz.typepad.com/">Tim Holtz 12 Tags </a>Giveaway! The package arrived on Thursday....<br /><div><div><div><br /><div>Contents: </div><br /><div>1 5x7 tabbed grungebook<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414374233604965570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF_MsaGYnFbQMnhfJp4VcP3vOSddaXRzRHz0r0jNe5BFVVQLJXVfycplv2-TQXiRr-0OadR438qQNjUdvOiQLP4uj26blypw3XIcyvS-gdTuMXzkbDDKwwR2d1aUiLWtQSC2mQfQ/s320/grungebook.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.heidiswapp.com/rubyblingovals.aspx">2 red Heidi Swapp bling frames</a>, <a href="http://www.heidiswapp.com/blingaccentsclear.aspx">1 clear accents</a>; <a href="http://www.heidiswapp.com/clearghostalphabetaddict-rhymeuppercase.aspx">1 upper case RHYME ghost letters </a>- (all on major clearance on <a href="http://www.blogger.com/2.aspx">HeidiSwapp.com </a>right now if you need it!).</div><br /><div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414378659343658834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOfCe6akcfEdks8S0X6PQsmzx6Q1CDr9sdqgGFDeGotKREub277zquBHSxClQjydNOuyLnp9ldpPWdyDfkkPLJ_nCjGIb3FmyfJa9Q_8HhvShaMsmadfrFSaqzMHIRom6T6l-b4w/s320/HS64104.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414378652910731330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgER3x2L4S6PWYiBG59Gjnbto59MIBVxqzK8q1erv8zz7-5rUOxq-6gR1085iEDI-dE4S7wgN8ZWYvb06wgjupqAPtWpnehXuO1PNa8XofVh_9yad2u5-QNkBvdMHykwNuR5WFg5A/s320/HS64099_1.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414378666043953650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxRNgogeLuPPk1-ohNlA-DdY4xxxnif5HoytmpwIlhnxyJrtKndRv4pCwVp-NVHerC-bQQk9P113lWbPsuPd0GwEbDowrXkWyqtVenXjTV7Xa1q8HYoSMU56rS-9fJyy0wQ95sYw/s320/HS64142_1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414379460168163394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmdEKaDvdrk4FwScIBqXTv_qJoAtAqlPPFkgBfR5I0bKvo6bMl3FZUkpVryUJkgfHQ3x7upHVx4vZpqF_NetuFx30RKI6_N9t0Hueci1anOilfjL5NiMJBA7GzIqqxN2a7Q55UQw/s320/HS63313_1.jpg" border="0" /> <div>The bling has already been incorporated into my Journal Your Christmas/December Daily book....keepin it very simple this year....but the extra sparkle was a perfect addition to a few of the pages I already "finished." </div><br /><div>Thanks Tim for the great <a href="http://www.blogger.com/2.aspx">12 Tags</a> (& Mario for the prize send-out!) I can 't wait to see what the GRANDE FINALE PRIZE PACKAGE is going to be! Details to be revealed by <a href="http://www.timholtz.typepad.com/">Tim</a> on the 25th! HO HO HO! </div></div></div></div>Soozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159939942360379866noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24857960.post-33493477405026668122009-12-07T19:32:00.005-05:002009-12-07T22:00:31.064-05:00Lucky Me!Please don't hate me for my wondrous luck, ladies! I have been following the 12 Tags of Christmas on Tim Holtz's blog for the last 3 years.....and am a huge fan of his products tho' I don't own NEARLY enough of it to master all his techniques....<br /><div></div><br /><div>And I ALMOST MISSED OUT on this year's tags! I remembered last night and right away commented (and ran out to Michael's to buy the CAR STAMP because I had to <a href="http://timholtz.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/12/12-tags-of-christmasday-6.html">make this my Christmas Card this year!) </a></div><div></div><br /><div>....and then...this morning when I checked in to see Tag #7....guess what? I WON! <a href="http://timholtz.typepad.com/my_weblog/">Check it out here!</a> </div><br /><div></div><div>As if I didn't have enough on my list to do...now I want to make ALL OF THESE TAGS to enter for <a href="http://timholtz.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/11/the-12-tags-of-christmasday-1.html">Tim's GRAND PRIZE. (</a>Heaven help me.)</div><div></div><br /><div>Back to my embossed cars and grungeboard! oohhh how I love this CAR!</div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412694003595844610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSCWd748o54Ub-Qjfd2HwsNx1mBRCmTLBv7H4MqnQI5xfAmZpawqI6MMHwoWOwNaVFtc28GsEwDy86w83_CVaU2FQQdqbthxDWpjzXsAWGQXnrzkfBo1j6ihfyxmpvopGqH8jLGg/s320/DSC00380.JPG" border="0" /> <div></div>Soozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159939942360379866noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24857960.post-71413925223557871172009-11-27T10:41:00.008-05:002009-11-27T11:13:45.949-05:00Grateful.......for another <em>really good </em>Cohen/Gilman Thanksgiving : )<br /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408812561112347570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjKE_-7jz3SfsTR14Bh6CqVr_gpECMmKCPYBza9KF6Q0-VW2vzI0GLtTD3KH0FZRBcYSdkLyC7vprk44O4gwjK8MHS-QyYzOZSiWy_NYReOGBRzr7i9SC6dElsJRmZIjcXhtZjRg/s320/DSC00315.jpg" border="0" /> <em><span style="font-size:85%;">Lynne and Rob - during our Wednesday prepping!</span></em><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV3SwzqDHS_yddzUiA9QRDiNa-XodL6nrIrGjcoBqhHox8AmRpA8HPg6fNqbiaiVCtbitcgjndW_ToouhgwfcgRzPQj_6Lzvv2GiONtIp6S33VzIIDeFKJsCpbojHfxzoIBnsD4g/s1600/DSC00333.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408812567449087746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV3SwzqDHS_yddzUiA9QRDiNa-XodL6nrIrGjcoBqhHox8AmRpA8HPg6fNqbiaiVCtbitcgjndW_ToouhgwfcgRzPQj_6Lzvv2GiONtIp6S33VzIIDeFKJsCpbojHfxzoIBnsD4g/s320/DSC00333.jpg" border="0" /></a> <em><span style="font-size:85%;">Basting is the key!</span></em><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408812847891688850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEityXra57w1JEdXWETgnFGX1bV_Onl8c6CzDHQNtCstUUt8NEDAxSOqpXMR0W9K0bkwDEAc_7j9Wjc9QUkQL0oB3cJD-ufyu2nputmoqXIxyHewF8Pg_DN-4jnY7thNRkAnwZ7keQ/s320/DSC00328.jpg" border="0" /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Lar always brings Lynne beautiful flowers for the holiday table. </span></em></div><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408815313417688722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitnlrHyQN8BYQjoxmBVQoXjaVsws4w46g9vrFUJGGnxJGUaYcXG0H2CULUwTt0tVMslsALZqZ1H3N5kegnPNObJG8YANO6hFS-MXa0zkJKfu15S2UqcnkjVLhWvAP-r1yVj_gPZQ/s320/DSC00326.jpg" border="0" /> <div align="left">Note for next year....MORE PHOTOS, PLEASE!</div><br /></div></div>Soozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159939942360379866noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24857960.post-35289364349535737862009-11-20T22:22:00.000-05:002009-11-22T19:35:55.443-05:002009 Project Grateful {#9}Friday, November 20, 2009<br /><br />20 more things for which I am grateful:<br /><ol><li>A recipe for homemade spray starch! (<a href="http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/2009/11/blueberry-pie.html">recipe here</a>)</li><li>BIG trashbags that don't RIP when you fill them.</li><li>Tap water (in our township at least!) doesn't skeeve me.</li><li>Sirryha's random hugs and squeezes at dinner tonight. (Always best when they are unexpected and unsolicited! awww....so stinkin SWEET!)</li><li>Restaurants with paper tablecloths and a generous supply of crayons. </li><li>That I always use the crayons at restaurants - even if there are no children with me.</li><li>Sirryha's newly discovered love for STICKERS - and that Rob doesn't mind when she'd rather put them all over HIM than in the storybooks they come with!</li><li>Honeycrisp apples. SO yum.</li><li>Rob is eating the bag of cucumbers that I mistakenly bought at Produce Junction thinking it was a bag of zucchini. (oops)</li><li>ZIP LOCK BAGGIES. Sandwich size and the quart size. How did I live without thee?</li><li>Rob is not an "I don't DO leftovers guy."</li><li>Emeril's Spicy Garlic Bread recipe from "back in the day" (recipe can be <a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/Emerils-Spicy-Garlic-Bread-197101">found here</a>.)</li><li>My "Thanksgiving Dinner" binder that I've kept since 2001...which has chronicled everything from the cost of the turkey, to each recipe and guest list. </li><li>Jackie's Christmas book that she has kept for over 15 years that has all the special gifts received, breakfast and dinner menus, their annual Christmas card, and Mikayla's and David's letters to and from Santa. Seriously priceless!</li><li>Being ALMOST caught up with my correspondence....</li><li>Anna Maria Horner's Folksy Flannels are now available <a href="http://store.annamariahorner.com/folksyflannels.html">by the bundle in her shop!</a></li><li>My navy blue leather clogs that are almost a decade old, were never attractive, but are the most comfy shoes I own.</li><li>That the "business casual" dress code at work means I don't have to wear pantyhose every day ('nuff said, eh?)</li><li>That Rob came across a Miley Cyrus concert on TV, and he played the same three songs over and over again for Sirryha (via DVR) just because she loved it. "Again, Daddy!"</li><li>Getting to watch Sirryha eat ice cream. (She dips the spoon into the bowl of ice cream, and then delicately licks the ice cream off the spoon...one wee lap at a time...as if it is on a cone? I am not sure. But it is adorable to me, at the same time shocking that any child would not devour a scoop of chocolate ice cream! She maybe gets a spoonful down via this method!)</li></ol>Soozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159939942360379866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24857960.post-65849128896040282042009-11-19T21:43:00.007-05:002009-11-22T16:22:27.995-05:002009 Project Grateful {#8}<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjd7u42NQdUWQALsnh9cLqZm-qVX5gKJXH8IHf1G84gkpQ3lUd-7B2lmmYqQckMPzjxdT_kvsMjv-tUTXQI1s31LAhig2UIByV2XEo-Uk88O6oOcpPXJHWm814-4A8kw_4Gsrj4w/s1600/049.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406550163593411362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjd7u42NQdUWQALsnh9cLqZm-qVX5gKJXH8IHf1G84gkpQ3lUd-7B2lmmYqQckMPzjxdT_kvsMjv-tUTXQI1s31LAhig2UIByV2XEo-Uk88O6oOcpPXJHWm814-4A8kw_4Gsrj4w/s320/049.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Lynne and Lar, Thanksgiving Day, 2007 ...love this photo!<br /></em></span><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left">Thursday, November 19, 2009</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="left">Thankful ...</div><ol><li><p align="left">That we are a mere week away from another Thanksgiving dinner with the Cohens/Gilmans! </p></li><li><p align="left">For a happy phone call from my friend who was STRESSED TO THE MAX a day ago. Glad it is "all better again."</p></li><li><p align="left">For Panera Bread's chicken and wild rice soup on a cold rainy night.</p></li><li><p align="left">For Johnson's (No More Tears) No More Tangles spray. </p></li><li><p align="left">For Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus because I love the way Sirryha says her name and is mesmerized by her singing and dancing. (O.M.G. you have to see the new dance moves!)</p></li><li><p align="left">For my Rowenta Professional Iron. I {heart} steam!</p></li><li><div align="left">For Rob honestly not caring that the ironing board has become a permanent installation in the living/dining room. (Yes, I know I should install one of those hanger things in the stairwell to the basement....but.....)<br /></div></li><li><div align="left">For "off brand" rotary cutter blades that WORK JUST AS WELL AS THE OLFA BRAND at a fraction of the price!</div></li><li><div align="left">For blog recommendations from friends, like <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/">this one</a>. I know I would enjoy it if only I had more time!</div></li><li><div align="left">For how happy it makes me when I find Sirryha's little pencil scribbles on my lists. : )</div></li><li><div align="left">For the set of hexagon paper piecing templates from Bryne sewingthe quilt shops....I've wanted to try these ever since I saw this: <a href="http://rosylittlethings.typepad.com/posie_gets_cozy/2009/08/hexagon-piecing.html">http://rosylittlethings.typepad.com/posie_gets_cozy/2009/08/hexagon-piecing.html</a></div></li><li><div align="left">For free online tutorials like this: <a href="http://www.craftstylish.com/item/8335/how-to-english-paper-piecing-project">http://www.craftstylish.com/item/8335/how-to-english-paper-piecing-project</a> (in case I never get around to a full quilt of Hexagons!)</div></li><li><div align="left">For podcast interviews.</div></li><li><div align="left">For multilayers. (In hairstyles, fashion, art, and best of all - PEOPLE.)</div></li><li><div align="left">For surprises.</div></li><li><div align="left">For restaurants that serve "tiny bites" desserts. (A ramekin of cherry cobbler with a mini scoop icecream. <em>YUM with less guilt!</em>)</div></li><li><div align="left">For Kleenex (I love to iron...but hankies <em>for blowing your nose</em>? Ewwwww.)</div></li><li><div align="left">For twinkle lights. Indoors or out....they are strings of happiness.</div></li><li><div align="left">For Origins Ginger Essence perfume (still my favorite scent!)</div></li><li><div align="left">For stick gum that still comes with printed wrappers so I can gum wrapper chains when I stuck somewhere with nothing else in my purse to occupy me!</div></li></ol></div>Soozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159939942360379866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24857960.post-62394337844312347502009-11-18T12:55:00.007-05:002009-11-21T07:42:55.929-05:002009 Project Grateful {#7}Wednesday, November 18, 2009<br /><br /><br />Thankful.....<br /><ol><li>for a much overdue visit with Jill! (always a wonderful soft landing....)</li><li>...and getting to take part in her bedtime routine with her fabulous kids Scott and Raya...so stinkin' cute. </li><li>...and sipping hot chocolate in a beautiful mug while sitting at her kitchen table with nothing to do but chat for a few hours...</li><li>...and knowing that we will see each other again next week on Thanksgiving! xo</li><li>for learning my cousin is expecting a healthy baby girl! </li><li>that Rob picked up my Rx for me at Target. xo</li><li>that I had more than enough cash on me for the tolls tonight (I usually FORGET. I never carry cash.)</li><li>for Rob's mindfulness example.</li><li>for not sweating the small stuff (and the wisdom that comes with age on what "the small stuff" includes.)</li><li>for my sister Lisa, for sharing her stash of vintage fabric from Gram. xoxo</li><li>for a project/assignment at work I am enjoying.</li><li>for the Wegmans by L&L that is still accepting orders for fresh turkeys this year (my Wegmans is not! What is up with THAT?)</li><li>for news of "negative" test results for a family member.</li><li>that postage stamps are self-adhesive (can you believe we ever LICKED them?)</li><li>for self-serve, 24-hr access to postage machines and scales at the post office.</li><li>for a winning $12 instant lotto ticket in my purse that I had forgotten about! </li><li>for knowing I have more than enough and everything I need.</li><li>for lots of sticks on my cell phone when I wasn't sure when I last charged it!</li><li>shops that don't charge extra for gift wrapping!</li><li>for "getting over it" that this blog post will NOT have a photo. (refer to #9.) : )</li></ol>Soozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159939942360379866noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24857960.post-16877368471990298942009-11-17T22:47:00.000-05:002009-11-19T20:44:29.293-05:002009 Project Grateful {#6}<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfik8XqRo7V1RQyxfqL4YaG00ahlwc0kYPlOWGZpxgcZOTPtc783XI48UDNf466FXU8Fm4w7BIAujdWFKR-RThuS44kcCsOCzWHeyEfRh7sV-RqHpX2_QsCyuWJ4Z9hYcMc_yPvA/s1600/20.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405993251679867010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 207px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfik8XqRo7V1RQyxfqL4YaG00ahlwc0kYPlOWGZpxgcZOTPtc783XI48UDNf466FXU8Fm4w7BIAujdWFKR-RThuS44kcCsOCzWHeyEfRh7sV-RqHpX2_QsCyuWJ4Z9hYcMc_yPvA/s320/20.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Tuesday, November 17, 2009</div><br /><div></div><div>Thankful Times Twenty:<br /></div><ol><li>Receiving my first <a href="http://www.papayaart.com/">PaPaYa!</a> Catalog in the mail! Holy moly I want one of each!</li><br /><li>LEFTOVERS</li><br /><li>Frozen Edamame. </li><br /><li>That so far, "Upsidedown Baby!" is still working to get Sirryha dressed after bathtime.</li><br /><li>Peaceful transitions with Sirryha when it is time to go.</li><br /><li>Plans to visit Jill tomorrow (finally!)</li><br /><li>MAPQUEST (I hate writing down directions and playing along that I know which routes run north and south vs east and west....whatEVER....just tell me left or right, 'k?)</li><br /><li>Working hands.</li><br /><li>That Rob never lets us run out of paper towels.</li><br /><li>NORTHERN TOILET TISSUE (speaking of paper)</li><br /><li>Discovering another clever artistic blog - <a href="http://whatiworedrawings.blogspot.com/">like this one</a>.</li><br /><li>Fine point pens. Better still, EXTRA-FINE point pens.</li><br /><li>Good quality paper to create with. YUM.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.johnfrieda.com/products/product_detail.asp?productLine=root_awakening&pid=113">John Frieda Root Awakening </a>shampoo and conditioner.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405990196255257170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 108px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgMWCfh-9BvalaSUto0-6rq-oF32s8RTzO4jPbJQHTC2kZPPjq6jpsSz59BLw9WTW8m0hX8odd8rRjeLAvfHh-bqcHWGc9d6vvuf0fhU1nOlINgmlr_pL8PJPNJyZEJwofC6ULBg/s320/John+Frieda.png" border="0" /></li><br /><li><p align="left">That Rob will run upstairs to get me socks when my feet are cold.</p></li><li><p align="left">...and then get me my book, too.</p></li><li><p align="left">"Just checking in" calls and texts from family.</p></li><li><p align="left">My Smiley Mug from Eat n Park that Jackie got the annoyed-with-us drive-thru girl to get for me to replace the yucky one she originally gave us! (Thanks, sister!)</p></li><li><p align="left">For another year NOT having a car payment.</p></li><li><p align="left">A LOVE BOMB text from <a href="http://createbeautydaily.blogspot.com/">Cameron </a>tonight! Wee!! Count me in for February!! xoxoxo<br /></p></li></ol>Soozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159939942360379866noreply@blogger.com1